Schwarzenegger issued the statement Thursday asking residents not to resort to violence in the aftermath of the racially charged case.

A Los Angeles jury convicted former Bay Area Rapid Transit officer Johannes Mehserle, who is white, of involuntary manslaughter in the 2009 shooting of 22-year-old Oscar Grant, who is black. It carries a sentence of two to four years, falling short of the punishment sought by prosecutors and Grant's family.

Schwarzenegger says he has spoken to Oakland Mayor Ron Dellums to assure him the state is prepared to assist in maintaining order.